Construction and other equipment - Detroit 2-71: Starting Methods

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Detroit 2-71: Starting Methods

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Construction and other equipment
Forum Description: everything else with orange (or yellow) paint
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=24945
Printed Date: 27 Jul 2025 at 12:04am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Detroit 2-71: Starting Methods

Posted By: Osage_Orange
Subject: Detroit 2-71: Starting Methods
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2011 at 6:44pm

What's the forum's recommendations on cold weather starting?

Does the engine need to turn over a few times before starting to get the lube oil flowing?(I usually heat the oil to about 40 to 50 deg F before cranking engine).

Some guys put ether directly in the blower, but I spray it into the air cleaner to allow some turnover.

Opinions appreciated..............O_O, aka Hedge Apple

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Why is there never time to do it right the first time, but always time to go back and fix it?

Replies:

Posted By: D-17_Dave
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2011 at 7:57pm

I normally spray the air cleaner. It doesn't really matter how or when you get the ether into it. No more speed than you have cranking the oil hasn't had enough flow to make any difference. The only thing that might matter is the condition of the batteries as they should be good enough to last until the ether gets it running.

Posted By: Coke-in-MN
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2011 at 8:53pm

I put the either in through pipe plug in blower, do not need as much that way , generally turn over engine a couple times just to check battery to be sure it turned over then add the either. So while turning over give it a poof, and another as it fires. Have throttle about 3/4 open and as soon as it starts move it back to idle

figure that pipe plug is where the either capsul drained to on origonal cold start on machine.

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Faith isn't a jump in the dark. It is a walk in the light. Faith is not guessing; it is knowing something.
"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."

Posted By: Matt (Jordan,MN)
Date Posted: 31 Jan 2011 at 11:50am

I have never had to either my hd5. If it is around 30 or above i can get it started by cranking on it as long as the batterys are good. I crank on it until it starts to smoke then stop and wait about 15-20 seconds then start cranking it agian and it will fire. I have the throttle about 1/4 open and no heat and no either. Matt

Posted By: Coke-in-MN
Date Posted: 31 Jan 2011 at 12:59pm

Find that below about 40 F I use either , just saves a lot of cranking . Below that temp it is almost a must with most detroits. One nice thing i have converted to key start so I can stand on track and reach both key and the hole in blower . If it is not cold out i will give a shot of either to air pre-cleaner intake from seat to start it .

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Faith isn't a jump in the dark. It is a walk in the light. Faith is not guessing; it is knowing something.
"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."

Posted By: dadsdozerhd5b
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2011 at 4:51am

i remove the precleaner to get a straight shot at the air cleaner. i definately get it cranking before giving it the ether. if it is real cold, i will crank and let it sit for 15 sec. and then crank again and give it the ether. i agree, under 40 degrees is a must for ether to save on the starter and batteries.

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HD5B, HD5G, (2) FARMALL A's, CUB. DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, IGNORE THE LAUGHTER. FLANNEL IS ALWAYS IN STYLE.

Posted By: B26240
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2011 at 7:24am

The last detroit I had was a 3-53 in a tree farmer skidder in about 1984. From 30* down to o* starting fluid in air cleaner then from o* to -20* I would preheat engine with hot water hoses with quick couplers hoked to pickup heater hoses, below -20* I stayed home!